Hailed in classical circles as “among the very best trumpet soloists in the world today,” (International Trumpet Guild) and "One of the finest virtuosos of our time...boundless versatility...stunning," (Brass Herald) and in jazz as “a standout soloist with the power, range and flexibility to rival Freddie Hubbard and Woody Shaw,” (DownBeat Magazine) Yamaha Performing Artist Rex Richardson was named the 2008 Brass Herald Personality of the Year.

Jam Music Lab is very happy to welcome Rex Richardson on board of the university as International Tutor in Trumpet.

As an International Tutor in Trumpet, Rex Richardson will teach workshops and master classes and will enrich the excellent lineup of our trumpet class lecturers Thomas Gansch, Daniel Nösig and Aneel Soomary.

With their expertise they offer students a holistic approach, while always maintaining an acute awareness of the current professional realities.

Rex Richardson will spend three weeks in Europe, performing and teaching at three festivals. The first is the Maspalomas Trumpet Festival on Gran Canaria Island (off the coast of East Africa), where he will share billing with many top European artists as well as American Mary Bowden. Next is the Italian Brass Week Festival in Florence, where he will share the stage with Pacho Flores, Allen Vizzutti, Andrea Tofanelli and several other world-class brass artists. From there he heads to Leuven, Belgium where he will appear in concert with renowned American organist Jonathan Dimmock.

Trumpet virtuoso Rex Richardson is in residence this week at Downers Grove North High School, working with students in the DGN Bands and preparing for Tuesday night's "Sharing Is Caring" Jazz and Percussion Ensemble Concert. (Photo credit Brayer Teague)